Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: sonvaz on April 06, 2007, 12:52:15 PM

Title: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: sonvaz on April 06, 2007, 12:52:15 PM

Hi,

I have a Dell C610 Latitude Laptop.  I was using my computer while
the AC Adapter was plugged in to charge the battery. 
The adapter broke off at the point where the plug part connects to the rest of the adapter while still plugged inside the laptop.  This is the smallest
piece of the adapter only, the only part that is placed inside the laptop.
Nothing is damaged or broken of the laptop itself, my problem is
that that small piece is now stuck there and I can't figure out any way
to remove this.  I have no way to use my computer as of now since
I can no longer charge the battery.

I hope that explained it well; the only thing that was damaged was
the ac adapter cord piece.  The laptop itself is undamaged, but the
very tip of the adapter (that plugs in) is stuck there, with nothing
sticking out that I could pull on to remove it.  There are small hole pins
from where it used to be connected to the adapter on the plugtip.

If this isn't easily fixable, is there any other way to charge my battery
for now?  Is there a USB attachable adapter out there, although that
seems like it wouldn't work since it appears like the ac part connects
directly to the battery.

Thanks very much in advance,

Sonia  :)

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: dl65 on April 06, 2007, 01:21:35 PM

sonvaz ....... I would say that perhaps the best thing you could do would be to take the laptop into a local repair shop and they should be able to remove the broken adapters probe.   It might also be possible to make a tool to pull the broken part out..... however unless you are comfortable doing that, the repair shop is your best bet.

Good luck ,

dl65  ::)

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: patio on April 06, 2007, 03:18:23 PM

Agreed...you don't wanna create a doorstop, it's a sinking feeling.

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: street1 (RIP) on April 06, 2007, 03:43:49 PM

You can read this---->This (http://blog.wired.com/cultofmac/2005/10/fixing_a_broken.html?entry_id=1263539)

Absolutely no chortling from you other members......LOL ;D

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: sonvaz on April 06, 2007, 06:19:20 PM

May sound like a silly question, but I thought maybe there was some
chance that I could avoid a trip to repairshop and possible expense.
For example, I was told by Dell tech help, that I could get a
pair of nose clippers and gently pull it straight out. 

  :P

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: street1 (RIP) on April 06, 2007, 07:02:24 PM

You are playing an economics game.How much is the laptop
worth?What would the repair cost?

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: sonvaz on April 07, 2007, 09:44:41 AM

You're right, I found out Best Buy should be able to remove it for me
with no cost.  It was just hard for me to imagine anyone actually placing
a cost, at least not above $15 say for what amounts to pulling out a piece of plastic.  That article was pretty funny, I actually had the same
superglue trick go through my head...

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: patio on April 07, 2007, 10:25:16 AM

My first attempt would have been chewing gum...Bazooka to be exact...then the shop if it didn't work.

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: GX1_Man on April 07, 2007, 09:58:31 PM

Duct tape.  ;)

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: street1 (RIP) on April 08, 2007, 05:41:57 AM

Quote from: GX1_Man on April 07, 2007, 09:58:31 PM

Duct tape.  ;)

90/100 mile an hour tape........ ;D

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: sonvaz on April 09, 2007, 08:21:36 PM

Resolved:  4" needle nose mini pliers , inserted in the two small holes
where the pins are and pulled straight out.  If anyone has this same
problem, don't put the pliers all the way in (I don't think you can anyway)
since you could damage the pin connectors on the laptop , and don't
jiggle or yank.  Very easy. 

Title: Re: AC Adapter plug tip broke off while inside laptop, simple way to remove it?
Post by: patio on April 09, 2007, 10:10:45 PM

Glad to hear you are fixed up...and Welcome Aboard !